Windsor, Ontario. Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Canada’s Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities celebrated the latest achievement in the ongoing construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. With the work to connect the bridge deck between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan now complete, the Gordie Howe International Bridge became an official border crossing.
Dignitaries joining Minister Fraser to mark this historic accomplishment included: U.S. Ambassador to Canada, David Cohen; U.S. Federal Highway Administrator, Shailen Bhatt; Michigan State Transportation Director, Bradley Wieferich; the Mayor of Windsor; senior officials from the Canada Border Services Agency and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection; local elected officials; and project team members.
Since June 14, 2024, when the now iconic photograph was taken of a Canadian ironworker and an American ironworker shaking hands atop a beam 46 m/150 ft above the Detroit River, workers have completed the overall connection process by installing the remaining steel beams and precast concrete panels.
The celebration not only recognized this phase of bridge construction and its new designation, but also served to acknowledge the over 20 years of collaboration, cooperation and commitment exercised by the various project partners to advance the Gordie Howe International Bridge to its current state.
Measuring 853 metres/0.53 miles, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America and tenth longest in the world. It is the first new crossing to connect Ontario and Michigan in more than 60 years and will contribute to economic growth by strengthening the fluidity and resiliency at the Windsor-Detroit trade corridor, seamlessly connecting North America.
Quotes
“Canada and the United States have always done big things, together. As the largest and most ambitious infrastructure project along the Canada-United States border, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is proof of just that. Beyond further strengthening the deep connection between our two nations, this bridge will drive economic growth for both countries while creating more jobs and increasing border security.”
– The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
“The Gordie Howe International Bridge is a symbol of the friendship between Michigan and Canada and a testament to what’s possible when we work together. As we celebrate the completion of the bridge deck, let’s thank the ironworkers, operating engineers, and countless other Michiganders and Canadians who are working hard to get it done. Because of our effective collaboration on this bridge, commerce will flow, commuters will get to work and back home, and both of our economies will continue to grow. Let’s take a moment to celebrate and then stay focused on getting the job done.”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
“Making connections is what the Gordie Howe International Bridge is all about. While we celebrate the physical deck connection today, it gives us the opportunity to look to the very near future when we will see truck drivers make their way to deliver their freight to market, commuters heading to work and back home again, and tourists enjoying the views that bond our two countries from the multi-use path. We look forward to opening for business in fall 2025.”
– Charl van Niekerk, Chief Executive Officer, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA)
”We are excited to celebrate the connection of the bridge deck, a major achievement in completing the Gordie Howe International Bridge. We could not have done this without the thousands of dedicated skilled trades people and engineers whose commitment to safety and quality is paramount.”
– David Henderson, Chief Executive Officer, Bridging North America (BNA)
”I am thrilled to celebrate the connection of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which represents the strong ties between Detroit and Windsor, and the US and Canada. Over twenty years of collaboration and dedication have led us to this important milestone, and FHWA is proud to stand together with the many partners who made this bridge a reality.”
– Shailen Bhatt, Administrator, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
“It is appropriate that the handshake between U.S. and Canadian ironworkers became an instantly iconic photo because it both symbolizes the partnership between Michigan and Canada and pays tribute to the hardworking men and women laboring to build this vital trade connection. I look forward to continuing the work and celebrating completion of the Gordie Howe International Bridge in 2025.”
– Bradley C. Wieferich, Director, Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)
Quick Facts
- Ironworkers, Operating Engineers and Labourers took time to commemorate their significant contributions to the project through separate events held in June and July 2024.
- Approximately one year of work remains to complete the bridge construction as the focus shifts from the deck to the bridge surface.
- In addition to the bridge, progress at the Canadian and US Ports of Entry continues with all buildings and structures at advanced construction stages.
- Work is advancing on the Michigan Interchange with construction of the pedestrian bridges and ramps connecting I-75 in Detroit to the US Port of Entry, creating, for the first time, a direct highway-to-highway link to Highway 401 in Windsor.
Related Products
- Backgrounder: Supportive Statements
- Fact Sheet: The Gordie Howe International Bridge is connected. What’s next?
- Video: Timelapse
- Spotlight: Becoming an International Crossing
- Commercial Amenities to be Offered at the Gordie Howe International Bridge
- Photo Gallery for Bridge Deck Connection
About the Gordie Howe International Bridge Project
The Gordie Howe International Bridge project is a once-in-a-generation undertaking that will support the efficient and effective movement of people and goods through the Windsor-Detroit gateway. The project consists of the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America, the two largest land Ports of Entry on the Canada-US border and a connection to I-75. Not only will the project deliver much-needed transportation improvements for international travellers, it will also provide jobs and opportunities for growth to the Windsor-Detroit region and includes features that make this project truly distinctive. At the heart of this project is a desire to provide a border crossing facility that is customer-centric, easy to use and makes travelling from point A to point B as simple as possible, beginning in fall 2025.
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Gordie Howe International Bridge
Media Relations Team
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